California linebacker Mychal Kendricks proves that big things come in small packages, as the thumping inside linebacker has steadily moved up boards before the 2012 NFL Draft.

He finished the 2011 season with 106 tackles and three sacks. The senior also added four career interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced.

Size is just a number

Strengths

• Active roamer with a high motor
• Football intelligence - takes proper angles to the ball and reacts quickly after diagnosing a play
• Productive - five games in 2011 with at least 10 tackles, including 15 in a loss to Washington
• Experienced - played in every game possible (51) and started 29 times
• Raw athleticism - a natural, fluid mover in coverage with tremendous workout measurables
• Positional and schematic versatility
• Respectable tackling ability
• Good initial burst - fills the hole quickly
• Fastest timed linebacker at the Scouting Combine in the 40-yard dash (4.47 seconds)
• Well-rounded - not exceptional at any one thing but plays very effectively against both the run and pass

Weaknesses

• Particularly undersized (5-foot-11 1/8, 239 pounds) - doesn't appear to have room to add bulk without losing speed or compromising his athleticism
• Doesn't pass rush all that well and lacks a repertoire of moves
• Overwhelmed and engulfed by large blockers at the point of attack
• Overly aggressive - not as instinctual as you would like to see from an undersized 'backer
• Durability concerns (banged up with thumb and shoulder injuries in 2011)
• Suspended twice for violating team rules

Expected draft placement

Kendricks has climbed into the late second-round discussion, but he is more of a third-round grade because of his size and intangible concerns. It is unlikely that Kendricks slips into the fourth round, but he shouldn't fall any farther if he does.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys could all show interest in him.